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Poor Righteous Teachers

Poor Righteous Teachers emerged from the fertile hip-hop landscape of the late '80s and early '90s, notable for their socially conscious lyrics and commitment to Afrocentric themes. Formed in Trenton, New Jersey, the group consisted of lead rapper and producer Wise Intelligent, along with Culture Freedom, who handled vocals and choreography, and DJ Father Shaheed, who provided the turntable skills. They became known for their unique blend of rap, reggae, and jazz, which they employed to speak on issues of racial inequality, education, and spiritual enlightenment—a stark contrast to the prevailing gangsta rap narrative of the era.

The trio released their debut album, "Holy Intellect," in 1990, which received critical acclaim for its intellectual content and its hit single, "Rock Dis Funky Joint." Over the years, they continued to build upon their distinct sound and philosophical lyrics with albums such as "Pure Poverty" (1991) and "Black Business" (1993). The release "The New World Order" in 1996 was their last studio album as a group and featured collaborations with renowned artists such as KRS-One and Brother J of X Clan. After "The New World Order," the members went on to pursue individual projects, though their influence remained etched into hip-hop's conscious movement. Compilations like "The Essential Poor Righteous Teachers" and "Rare And Unreleased" have helped preserve their legacy, showcasing their contribution to the genre and the social discourse within it. Their music continues to resonate with fans who appreciate the art form as a means of education and empowerment.

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